Are Ohio State’s National Championship Hopes Already Dead for 2013?

By Barry Leonard Jr

Pat Lovell- USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the 2013 college football season, the Ohio State Buckeyeshave one of the best teams in the nation. Many feel the Buckeyes have what it takes to compete for a national championship in 2013. However, recent off-the-field incidents involving some star players may have killed the dream before it ever really got started.

Ohio State has been plagued recently by issues not involving football. Four players have recently gotten into trouble, resulting in some suspensions from the team. Unfortunately for the Buckeyes, two of the players involved were set to play key roles this season.

Running back Carlos Hyde was suspended indefinitely from the team on Monday after being named as a person of interest in the assault of a woman at a Columbus night club. It’s unclear how long the suspension is for or if Hyde will miss any games.

If his suspension lasts into the start of the season, it would be a huge blow for the Buckeyes’ offense. He’s a talented back who could be one of the best in all of college football this year. He ran for 970 yards and led the team with 16 rushing touchdowns last season.

The loss of Hyde means that Ohio State could be without a big part of its talented running attack. Defenses could key on the running ability of quarterback Braxton Miller and not have to worry about a talented back hurting them from the backfield.

Hyde’s troubles are bad enough, but the Buckeyes are also dealing with issues surrounding starting cornerback Bradley Roby, who was arrested over the weekend. He has yet to be suspended, but that may be just a matter of time as evidence comes out about his involvement in an Indiana bar incident.

Roby led the Big Ten Conferencein passes defended and could easily be considered one of the best defensive backs in the country. If his legal issues lead to any lost time, the Buckeyes’ defense will really feel his absence.

Defensive lineman recruit Tim Gardner has already been suspended for the season, while freshman tight end Marcus Baugh will miss the season opener due to legal troubles.

With all of the negativity swirling around the Ohio State program, it remains to be seen how the season will be affected.

Barry Leonard Jr. is a Big 10 Football Writer for RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @barryleonardjr,“Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.